Like many social enterprises, fully understanding the impact of last weeks’ Budget on Ethical Property and our tenants will take time. As a values led organisation, we remain committed to paying a living wage, providing good jobs, and staying true to our founding ethos, creating workspaces in areas on the city fringes that are often overlooked.
Many of our tenants face challenges with rising costs and limited provision for organisations that serve as lifelines to some of the most vulnerable in society. While we await clarity on the broader implications of the Budget, one announcement stood out as particularly relevant to us, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that training for under-25 apprenticeships will be made free for small and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative will be funded by £725 million allocated under the Growth and Skills Levy. A Treasury document also outlined reforms to simplify the apprenticeship system, with short courses set to be introduced from April 2026.
Our First Apprentice Experience
Last month, we welcomed our very first apprentice to head office, joining our finance team. Apprenticeships have been something we’ve wanted to explore for some time, and the experience so far has exceeded our expectations.
In just a short period, our apprentice has brought professionalism, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. They’ve introduced fresh ideas, asked thoughtful questions about how we work, and offered new perspectives that have shed light on our processes. The benefits have been far greater than we anticipated, and it’s clear that apprenticeships can play a vital role in shaping both our organisation and the careers of young people.
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Apprenticeships offer significant benefits for both individuals and employers.
For Apprentices
- Earn while you learn: Apprentices receive a salary and avoid student debt.
- Gain practical recognised qualifications: Apprenticeships lead to nationally valued qualifications.
- Career progression: They provide experience: Learning happens on the job, alongside experienced professionals.
- Achieve
- a clear path to advancement and open doors to new opportunities.
- Structured support: Apprentices benefit from mentorship and off-the-job training.
- Flexibility and accessibility: Available to a wide range of ages and backgrounds, not just school leavers.
For Employers
- Improved productivity: Apprentices contribute to operations from the start.
- Skill development: Employers can address skills gaps by training apprentices in-house.
- Higher retention rates: Apprenticeships often lead to stronger morale and loyalty.
- Reduced recruitment costs: Training apprentices can be more cost-effective than hiring externally.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to explore the opportunities created by the Budget announcement and to consider how apprenticeships can further strengthen Ethical Property and support our tenants. Providing young people with that crucial first step on their career journey is not only vital for them, but also transformative for organisations like ours.
As reforms unfold, we look forward to building on our positive first experience and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across our workspaces.